Seafood consumption in Poland is regularly increasing, although it still remains at a relatively low level compared to the consumption of fi sh and their products. The aim of the study was to obtain information on the frequency of seafood consumption and purchasing preferences among consumer groups in both a large and a small urban center, taking into account not only the place of residence, but also respondents’ age and gender. The study was attended by 204 people (50 men and 154 women). A survey questionnaire verifi ed in a pilot survey was used as a research tool. The research was carried out in a small (approx. 4,000 inhabitants) and a large (approx. 400,000 inhabitants) urban center on consumers going in and out of shops. A factor that signifi cantly infl uenced all the studied characteristics and purchasing preferences was the respondents’ age. The respondents’ gender signifi cantly infl uenced the recognition of diff erent seafood types, the place of consumption and the motivation for purchase. The size of the place of residence was the least infl uential factor in the study. There is a strong need to inform Polish consumers about seafood and the possibility of its consumption